Concealed carry guns are popular for those who want to protect themselves and their loved ones when the need or situation arises. With so many available options, choosing the best one that suits your needs can be overwhelming. However, not all firearms are made equal. Like the saying goes, “I would rater go to my grave never needing to use my gun, rather than going to my grave wishing I had one”.
Some have stood out for their reliability, accuracy, and ease of use. In this blog, we will be taking a closer look at the 6 best concealed carry guns in 2023 and what makes them the top choices for concealed carry. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gun owner, this guide will provide valuable insights to make an informed decision.
The 6 Best Concealed Carry Guns 2023
Choosing the right gun for the job is important when it comes to concealed carry weapons. With so many different options on the market, it can be difficult to decide which one is the best fit for you. Let’s have a look at the six best concealed carry guns for 2023:
1. SIG SAUER P365XL
The P365 XL is a revolutionary concealed-carry handgun that balances micro-compact concealability and full-size shoot ability. Its redesigned slide and grip module offers a 12+1 or optional 15+1 capacity while maintaining a highly concealable profile.
Additionally, the P365 XL features a distinctive flat profile trigger that breaks at 90 degrees, retaining the crisp and clean trigger pull of the P365. In short, the P365 XL is a micro-compact handgun that packs a lot of variety and capacity in a small package.
Specifications
- Caliber: 9mm
- Capacity: 12
- Height: 5.5 inches
- Weight: 20.7 oz.
- Barrel Length: 3.7 inches
- Overall Length: 6.6 inches
- Width: 1.1 inches
Features
Longer Slide: the SIG SAUER P365XL has a larger sight radius, significantly improving your aim. Additionally, a longer barrel can enhance the velocity of your shots, ensuring accurate and powerful performance.
Optic Ready: the manufacturers have made the new Sauer P365XL in a way so that you don’t have to get in trouble with new optics. It comes factory-ready to accept micro red dot sights.
Pros
- 12-round capacity standard
- The longer allow easy shooting and reloading
- Increased sight radius
- 15-round magazines
- Has a red-dot
- Great trigger
Cons
- Too big to be concealable
- An optic plate replaces the rear sight
2. GLOCK G43X 9MM SUBCOMPACT PISTOL
The G43X is a versatile, comfortable subcompact pistol. It has a compact grip length with a built-in beaver tail, providing a perfectly balanced grip for many users. It is without a doubt the best glock for concealed carry, when taking caliber, size, grip comfort and ammo capacity into consideration.
The G43X Rail also boasts features from the slimline series and Gen5, including low trigger travel, a frame with an inbuilt beavertail, and a reversible magazine catch. Additionally, it is coated with DLC and equipped with GMB with precisely made serrations.
Specifications
- Caliber: 9mm
- Capacity: 10
- Height: 5.04 inches
- Weight: 16.4 ounces without magazine, 18.7 ounces with empty magazine
- Barrel Length: 3.41 inches
- Overall Length: 6.5 inches
- Width: 0.87 inch
Features
Subcompact-slim Slide: The grip comfort in the Glock g43x is second to none, making it the best concealed carry glock. The beaver tail and subcompact slim slide gives you a balanced, versatile grip. The grips are made in a way that suits all types of users.
Slide Serrations: Slide serrations are great for any user. If you have sweaty hands, then it becomes a must-have feature. You can easily pull the slide back, thanks to the serrations.
Pros
- Glock reliability and familiarity
- Easily available parts
- Front serrations
Cons
- Larger than competition
3. RUGER LCP MAX MICRO COMPACT
The Ruger LCP MAX is a new standard in personal protection handguns. It has a compact and lightweight design, packing 10+1 rounds into the same size as the LCP II. The textured grip frame ensures a comfortable and secure grip, while the elevated cocking ears and serrations make slide manipulation easy.
The LCP MAX also comes with a 12-round magazine or a finger grip extension floorplate with a 10-round magazine. The slide and frame are smooth, making it easy to carry and handle. In short, the LCP MAX is a reliable pocket-sized personal protection handgun with exceptional features and performance. For the chubbier guys reading this list. I wouldn’t necessarily call myself fat (don’t ask my wife’s opinion though), but I definitely do have extra weight around the mid-section so concealed carry is often uncomfortable for me. Although I like some of the other guns on this list a little more, I would say these Ruger LCPs are the best concealed carry guns for fat guys, as because of the rounded edges and shape, it is the most comfortable gun for me to conceal carry when my belly is less than ideal size.
Specifications
- Caliber: 380 AUTO
- Capacity: 10+1 rounds
- Height: 4.12 inches
- Weight: 10.6 ounce
- Barrel Length: 2.8 inches
- Overall Length: 5.17 inches
- Width: 0.81 inch
Features
Great Sights: The Ruger LCP Max has changed the game regarding sights. They have implemented highly visible sights in all conditions, regardless of the weather.
Secure Action Trigger: Ruger has used their patented secure action trigger. It ensures a short and smooth trigger pull, clean break and reset.
Pros
- Lightweight
- 10+1 .380 ACP rounds
- Great iron sight
- Highly accurate
Cons
- Cant fire steel-cased ammo
- Requires tools for disassembly
4. SMITH & WESSON M&P SHIELD PLUS ULTRA COMPACT
Smith & Wesson M&P shield plus ultra-compact features a 10- and 13-round magazine capacity, making it the most comfortable and high-capacity model yet. The flat-face trigger allows consistent trigger finger positioning, resulting in more precise and repeatable firing.
The improved grip texture also allows for better recoil control, a stronghold, and overall comfort when carrying concealed. This firearm also has a flush-fit 10-round magazine for maximum concealability and an extended 13+1 capacity magazine. Therefore, get ready to experience the pinnacle of concealed carry with Smith & Wesson’s new Micro Compact.
Specifications
- Caliber: 380 AUTO
- Capacity: 10+1 rounds, 13+1 rounds
- Height: 4.6 inches
- Weight: 20.2 ounce
- Barrel Length: 3.1 inches
- Overall Length: 6.1 inches
- Width: 1.1 inch
Features
Flat-face Trigger: The flat-face trigger provides a consistent surface for your trigger finger, enhancing accuracy and consistent firing. This trigger allows for precise and repeatable shots, giving you the confidence to hit your target every time.
Extended Magazine: The S&W M&P Shield Plus boasts an extended magazine with an impressive capacity of 13+1 rounds. For those seeking a more discreet carry option, S&W also offers a flush-fit 10-round magazine. Each firearm comes with a 13-round and a 10-round magazine, allowing you to choose the right magazine for your needs.
Pros
- 13+1 capacity
- Great grip
- Very reliable
Cons
- Not very comfortable for large hands
- Difficult to disassemble
5. SPRINGFIELD ARMORY FIRST LINE 9MM HELLCAT OSP
The Springfield Armory Hellcat is an exceptional handgun for concealed carry, providing unparalleled comfort and accuracy in an unbelievably compact chassis. It can fire up to 13+1 rounds and boasts a billet-machined rear slide deck that has been expertly modified to accommodate a small red dot sight.
Its premium features distinguish the Hellcat range, including a 3 inches hammer-forged 1:10 inches twist barrel with melonite coating and a sleek 1-inch width which allows a comfortable grip. If you’re searching for a concealed carry handgun that offers unbeatable performance in a compact package, the Springfield Armory Hellcat is undoubtedly the best choice.
Specifications
- Caliber: 380 AUTO
- Capacity: 11 rounds, 13 rounds, 15 rounds
- Height: 4 inches with flush magazine, 4.5 inches with extended magazine
- Weight: 17.9 ounce with flush magazine, 18.3 with extended magazine
- Barrel Length: 3 inches
- Overall Length: 6 inches
- Width: 1 inch
Features
Tritium U-Dot Sight Picture: The Hellcat has Tritium-powered U-Dot sights offering unparalleled speed and accuracy. Nothing is quicker than these sights.
Adaptive Grip Texture: The Hellcat pistol has an innovative Adaptive Grip Texture that becomes tighter as you apply more pressure. Therefore, the harder you squeeze the grip, the more secure and stable your hold on the pistol becomes.
Pros
- High Capacity mag
- Very reliable and accurate
Cons
- Slightly expensive
- The trigger is good, but there are better options
6. Century Arms Canik TP9 Elite SC 9mm
The Canik TP9 Elite SC All Tungsten 9mm Pistol is the epitome of reliability. This semiautomatic centerfire pistol caters to both left and right-handed individuals. With two magazines included, you can rest easy knowing you have enough ammo to take on any challenge.
The pistol also comes equipped with an IWB and OWB concealed carry holster that features reversible clips, ensuring maximum versatility and convenience. Whether a seasoned shooter or a novice, the Canik TP9 Elite SC All Tungsten 9mm Pistol is the perfect choice for those seeking a trustworthy and efficient firearm.
Specifications
- Caliber: 9mm
- Capacity: 15 rounds
- Height: 4.6 inches
- Weight: 24.75 ounces
- Barrel Length: 3.6 inches
- Overall Length: 6.7 inches
- Width: 1.45 inch
Features
Reversible Magazine Release: This feature allows you to customize the firearm to fit your specific needs and preferences. Whether right-handed or left-handed, you can easily swap out the magazine release to ensure you can quickly and efficiently reload in any situation.
Micro Red-Dot Interface With Co-witness Feature: This feature lets you easily and quickly mount a micro red-dot sight on the firearm, greatly improving accuracy and target acquisition.
The co-witness feature ensures that the iron sights and the red-dot sight are aligned, so shooters can use either sighting method without adjusting their shooting position.
This feature is especially useful for shooters who need to transition between different types of targets or shooting scenarios quickly.
Pros
- Factory optic cut
- Fiber optic sights
- Great trigger
- Complete package
Cons
- Heavier than other similar guns
- Magazines aren’t easily available
- Magazines are also expensive
What Qualities Should a Concealed Carry Gun Have?
Carrying a concealed gun for protection is an important responsibility that should not be taken lightly. Here are some essential qualities that you should look for in a conceal carry gun:
Reliable
Reliability is key for a concealed-carry gun. You need a gun that can fire every time you pull the trigger. A reliable gun should have a simple design that is easy to maintain and clean and also dependable and durable.
Effective
The effectiveness of a concealed carry gun depends on its ability to stop an attacker. A good concealed carry gun should deliver enough firepower to stop a threat quickly and decisively. Look for a gun that has adequate stopping power and accuracy. Consider the caliber and the ammunition that the gun uses. One thing to remember is to still always wear your hearing protection when practicing to shoot with your concealed carry gun, a lot of people make the mistake to think because they are small they aren’t loud, but these little guns are VERY loud with the short barrels and lack of any suppression.
Portable
A concealed carry gun should be easy to carry and conceal. Compact, lightweight, and easy to conceal under clothing are the key matrices of a great concealed carry gun. Not only for under clothes, but in a concealed carry purse too, it should neatly inside your concealed carry purse and be safe enough in there not to possible accidentally fire when getting snagged on stuff.
Before purchasing, take into account the size of the gun and the holster that you will use. You’d want a gun that you can carry comfortably and discreetly. A concealed carry jacket, or any jacket with a large enough internal pocket or even waist pocket from where the gun can quickly and safely drawn can work well as a concealed carry jacket.
Ergonomic
The ergonomic design of a concealed carry gun is crucial for comfort and control. The gun should fit in your hand comfortably and should be easy to shoot accurately. The weight and balance of the gun is also very important.
Open carry vs concealed carry
Open carry and concealed carry are two different ways to carry a firearm in public. Open carry simply means that the firearm is visible to the public, while concealed carry means that the firearm is not visible to the public, when carried.
The best way to carry a firearm is a personal decision that should be based on your individual needs and preferences. If you are considering carrying a firearm, it is important to do your research and learn about the laws in your state. You should also get training in how to use your firearm safely and effectively.
Here are some additional factors to consider when choosing whether to open carry or carry concealed:
- Your personal comfort level. Some people feel more comfortable knowing that their firearm is visible to the public, possibly thinking it is an extra deterrent to criminals, while others prefer to keep their firearm hidden, thinking that the element of surprise is a big benefit should a dangerous situation arise.
- The laws in your state. Some states have more restrictive laws on open carry than others. It is important to know the laws in your state before you decide how to carry your firearm, as many states also require the user to have a concealed carry permit to be allowed to carry a gun concealed in public spaces.
- The places you go. If you frequently go to places where open carry is prohibited, then concealed carry may be a better option for you.
- Your lifestyle. If you are active and often participate in outdoor activities, then open carry may be a better option for you. If you work in a professional setting, then concealed carry may be a better option for you, your clothing choice and preferences also influence which of those options will work for you.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to open carry or concealed carry is a personal one. There is no right or wrong answer, and the best option for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Conclusion
Choosing the right concealed carry gun is crucial for personal safety. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to find the perfect one. However, the top 6 concealed carry guns listed above offer a great starting point for anyone in the market for a reliable and effective firearm. It’s important to remember that regular practice and training with your chosen weapon are essential to ensure you are prepared for any situation. Ultimately, the best concealed carry gun is the one that you feel most comfortable and confident carrying and that meets your specific needs.